A Worker-Owned Berkeley Pizzeria Tops California’s Pizza List
Have you heard about the little Berkeley pizzeria that’s making big waves? The Cheese Board Collective, a worker-owned cooperative in North Berkeley, recently claimed the top spot on California’s best pizza list.
This unassuming shop with its daily-changing menu has pizza lovers from across the state making the pilgrimage to taste what all the fuss is about.
1. Cooperative Business Model Changes Pizza Game
Picture working somewhere where everyone has an equal say and share in the profits! Founded in 1971, The Cheese Board operates without traditional bosses.
Employees vote on everything from recipes to business decisions, creating a unique workplace culture that translates into passionate pizza-making. Their democratic approach proves that when everyone cares deeply about quality, customers taste the difference.
2. One Perfect Pizza Daily Philosophy
Forget lengthy menus with dozens of mediocre options! Cheese Board boldly offers just one pizza variety each day, changing with seasonal ingredients.
Morning lines form as locals and visitors eagerly await the daily creation. By focusing their collective creativity on a single offering, they’ve perfected each combination. Quality trumps quantity in this revolutionary approach to pizza craftsmanship.
3. Live Music Enhances Dining Experience
Jazz notes float through the air as customers bite into crispy, chewy slices. Unlike typical pizzerias, Cheese Board features local musicians during lunch and dinner hours.
Regulars know to grab their slices and head to the median strip on Shattuck Avenue, an impromptu picnic spot where strangers become friends over pizza and music. Community building happens naturally when good food meets good tunes.
4. Artisanal Cheese Shop Origins
Long before slinging sourdough crusts, Cheese Board began as a tiny specialty cheese shop in 1967. Wandering through their original store feels like a European market adventure.
Cheese lovers can still sample from hundreds of artisanal varieties alongside their famous pizza. Many regulars make two stops: first for pizza, then for a wedge of something special to enjoy later. This dual identity creates a culinary destination unlike any other.
5. Influential Culinary Legacy Beyond Pizza
Would you believe a humble pizza place helped spark California cuisine? Located in Berkeley’s “Gourmet Ghetto,” Cheese Board sits near Chez Panisse, Alice Waters’ legendary restaurant.
The two establishments grew together, inspiring each other and countless imitators. Former employees have launched similar cooperatives across the Bay Area, spreading their food philosophy. Fifty years later, their influence continues shaping how Californians think about food.
